He said: "It has obviously been a very difficult time for the men and for their families. Ministers and officials have worked hard for this outcome."

The seven were released from prison after King Fahd responded positively to a petition for clemency. The men had been accused of being involved in gang warfare, including planting bombs, to control the lucrative bootleg alcohol trade in the Middle Eastern kingdom. They denied all charges.

But the men's families have always said the charges were trumped up and the bombings in November 2000 were carried out by Islamic fundamentalists targeting Westerners.

The others, James Cottle from Manchester, Peter Brandon from Cardiff, Les Walker from the Wirral, and James Patrick Lee, were serving 12-year sentences. A seventh, Glenn Ballard, who was detained for 10 months but not charged, has also been released.

The six Britons made televised confessions to being involved in bombings which they later withdrew. Many people questioned the authenticity of the admissions amid claims of torture.